HUM Briefs

Hum Briefs are articles from the group of researchers associated with the Nordic Humanities Center that are published on Videnskab.dk. The articles are in Danish and only the first lines in English.

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Can photography still bring us together in a divided world?

Photography has historically had a unique ability to create a sense of community across borders and conflicts – but can it still bring us together in a divided world? This question is explored by Mette Sandbye, researcher at the Nordic Humanities Center and Professor of Photography Studies at the Department of Modern Culture, Institute of Arts and Cultural Studies, University of Copenhagen. Taking the iconic exhibition The Family of Man as her point of departure, she reflects on the role of photography, past and present, as a shared human point of reference in a time marked by war, crises, and an overabundance of images.

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Selling Greenland to the US? It has been in play several times in history

Today, the idea of selling Greenland to the United States seems completely absurd – but that hasn’t always been the case. In both the 1860s and the 1910s, the possibility was taken quite seriously, explains Niels Bjerre-Poulsen, Associate Professor at the Center for American Studies and researcher at the Nordic Humanities Center. He puts today’s reactions into perspective with a surprising story of great-power politics and Arctic ambitions.

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Brutal war in the Balkans ended 30 years ago — the battle over history continues

Thirty years ago, the Balkan War came to an end — a conflict that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands and left deep marks on Europe’s political landscape. But the struggle over how history is remembered is far from over, and today Bosnia and Herzegovina is still characterized by power struggles between ethnic groups over the memory and interpretation of the war. This is described by Tea Sindbæk Andersen, fellow at the Nordic Humanities Center, in an article on Videnskab.dk marking the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, concluded on November 21, 1995.

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Danish culture can influence geopolitics - Just ask in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

Collaboration with Denmark was significant as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania forged their path to independence.

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Gunpowder, bullets – and culture: Hard power alone is not enough if we are to make it through times of crisis

In Sweden and Norway, culture is part of crisis preparedness. And we should also strengthen the cultural front here at home, says Malene Breuning, associate professor of Danish literature and cultural history and fellow at the Nordic Humanities Center.

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War Tax: When you don't want to choose between weapons and welfare

Both during World War I and the Cold War, a war tax was introduced in Denmark. But what is it, and how does it actually work?

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Why does the debate about rewilding often go berserk?

Should we release wild horses and bison into the Danish countryside or not? The debate about rewilding sets off great emotions, which stem from historical conflicts between country and city.

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Too many children do not feel heard: What price do we pay?

Children and young people have the right to be involved, but this is far from always the case. There is a need for a fundamental change in our view of children.

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That's why you need to keep an eye on whether politicians use the word 'welfare society' rather than 'welfare state'

It may sound like a chore to get into whether politicians say 'welfare society' rather than 'welfare state'. But there are good reasons to keep an eye on the choice of words.

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What does green growth mean? And who came up with it?

It should signal that economic growth and environmental considerations could go hand in hand. But perhaps 'green growth' as a concept is about to be used up as a political mantra.

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History classes should include much more than the great men and women

Counting men and women in history books at the schools, is a good place to start. But history classes in school should also include children, non-whites, climate philosophy, menopause, and psychiatri.

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The 'warm hands' speak out: Anger at the welfare state has taken a new form

It is now not only civil opinion formers, but also its own core troops, who are angry at the Danish welfare state.

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School meals: Should the state lubricate the lunch package?

Free school meals is frequently discussed amongst the Danish politicians. But why is the children's' lunch the most discussed meal in Danish history? A national scheme for school meals, will give the children healthier eating habits, make the joint meal a focal point for learning and pedagogy, and ease pressured parents, says Martin Lidegaard (R).

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HUM Briefs

Hum Briefs are articles from the group of researchers associated with the Nordic Humanities Center that are published on Videnskab.dk. The articles are in Danish and only the first lines in English.

Can photography still bring us together in a divided world?

Selling Greenland to the US? It has been in play several times in history

Brutal war in the Balkans ended 30 years ago — the battle over history continues

Danish culture can influence geopolitics - Just ask in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

Gunpowder, bullets – and culture: Hard power alone is not enough if we are to make it through times of crisis

War Tax: When you don't want to choose between weapons and welfare

Why does the debate about rewilding often go berserk?

Too many children do not feel heard: What price do we pay?

That's why you need to keep an eye on whether politicians use the word 'welfare society' rather than 'welfare state'

What does green growth mean? And who came up with it?

History classes should include much more than the great men and women

The 'warm hands' speak out: Anger at the welfare state has taken a new form

School meals: Should the state lubricate the lunch package?

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